New border control checks must deliver for animal and plant health and food security but already cracks are appearing writes NFU Scotland Vice President Andrew Connon.
The UK Government’s record on introducing effective post-Brexit border controls that protect farmers and crofters from highly damaging plant and animal diseases has, to date, been woeful. It has seen numerous false starts and delays over several years, all of which have left farmers and crofters exposed to hugely destructive diseases such as African Swine Fever, a virus present in parts of Europe that has the potential to wipe out the Scottish pig industry.
The second phase of the UK Government’s Border Target Operating Model, which sets out a new risk-based approach to import checks on goods entering the UK from overseas, commenced this week. From 30 April, physical and identity checks were meant to apply to medium and high-risk animal products, plants and plant products entering the UK from the EU on a risk-based approach.
However, media reports indicate that in its first few days, the level of checks required is not yet being adhered to with some reports suggesting that shipments are being admitted even when incorrect paperwork has been provided. That is in stark contrast to the hoops and delays that UK food exporters faced getting goods into Europe in the early days of Brexit.
Lax implementation of import controls, if unaddressed, means our producers are continuing to be exposed to unacceptable levels of risk. This Government must step up to the plate immediately to address any border control failings and report back to industry on implementation of the latest phase. It must give the health of our plants and animals the protection they deserve.
As well as ensuring Border checks on legitimate imports from the EU through control points are appropriate, it is clear that additional resource to target illegal imports through other ports must be found, s these often present the greatest risk.
In our manifesto for the expected General Election this year, see:
General election manifesto we state that beyond the overdue Border Target Operating Model (BTOM), we also need increased resources for import controls and an effective UK Border Force to minimise food fraud and the risks that brings to consumers and biosecurity.
Food security must be a bigger priority of any future government.